MEASURES TO SUPPORT SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES IN RUSSIA DURING THE PANDEMIC

Abstract

Subject. Analysis of foreign and regional practice of supporting small and medium-sized businesses in the context of restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, and the dynamics of the activity of small and medium-sized enterprises. Topic. Study the growth rates of small and medium-sized enterprises in several regions and assess the impact on them of the consequences of the pandemic. Purpose. Assessment of the activity of small and medium-sized enterprises during the period of introduction of restrictions caused by the pandemic and identification of the most popular practices for supporting entrepreneurship, the impact of government support measures on them. Methodology. Methods of statistical analysis of time series of dynamics of basic indicators. Methods of logical and comparative analysis of the support measures provided abroad and in the regions of Russia, including the Voronezh region. Results. Based on the analysis and assessment of the current situation, it was revealed that there is a downward trend among small and medium-sized businesses. This is due, among other things, to the consequences of the pandemic and the restrictions imposed in 2020. State support for small and medium-sized businesses included organizational and financial measures that could be taken advantage of by business entities from the affected industries, subject to certain conditions. Application area. The sphere of regulation of small and medium-sized businesses at the meso-level. Conclusions. The economic challenges that small and medium-sized businesses had to face dictated new business conditions. Government support has allowed many companies to stay on the market during a difficult period. Keywords: small business, small and medium-sized enterprises, entrepreneurship, government support, support measures, pandemic